The Bozeman weekly chronicle., 1887-02-16

have besn misinterpreted by ears less keen
than the sleepers; but when the apparent
creaktng of a far Of shutter was followed by
the sliding apparition Of q dark head Of tan
gled hair at the door Lee had not been de-
ceived, and was prepared as II he had seen II.
Another step and the figure entered the room.
The door closed instantly behind It, The
sound Of heavy body struggling against the
partition outside followed, and then suddenly
ceased.
The intruder turned and violently grasped
the handle of the door, but recoiled at quiet
voice from the bed
@Drop that, and come here"
He started back with an exclamation The
sleeper's eyes were wide open; the sleeper's
extended arm and pistol covered him.
"Sience! or I'll let that candle shine
through your
Eyes, captainl' growled the astounded and
frightened halfbreed. II didn't know you
were here"
Lee raised himself and grasped the long
whip in bis left hand and whirled II round
bis head.
"Wfu you dry upl'
The man sank back against the wall In
silent terror.
@Open that door now-softly."
Manuel obeyed with trembling fingers.
"Ned," said Lee in low voice, "bring him
In here-quick."
There was slight rustic, and Falkner ap-
peared. backing in another gasping figure,
whose eyes were starting under the strong
grasp Of the captor at his throat.
HSilence," said Lee, Iall of you"
There was breathless pause. The sound
Of a door hesitatingly opened in the passage
broke the stiffness, followed by the gentle
voice Of Mrs. Scott.
"Is anything the matteri"
Lee made slight gesture Of warning to
Falkner, Of menace to the others. aEvery-
things the NATTER" he called out cheerily.
@Neds managed to half pull down the house
trying to get at something from my saddle
bags
II hope he has not hurt himself, broke in
another voice mischievously.
"Answer, you clumsy villain" whispered
Lee, with twinkling eyes.
SIN all right, thank you, . responded Falk-
nsr with unaffected awkwardneaL
There was a slight murmuring Of voices,
and then the door was heard to close Lee
turned to Falkner.
aDisarm that hound and turn him loose out
side, and make no noise. And you, Manueli
tell him what his and your chances are II he
shows his black face here again"
Manuel cast . single, terrified, supplicat.
Ing glance. more suggestive than words, at
his confederate, as Falkner showed him bc-
fore him from the room. The next moment
they were silently descending the staira
@May go too, captainp entreated Manuel.
II swear to Godn-
@Shut the door" The man obeyed.
4Now, then" said Lee, with broad, graft
fed smile, laying down his whip and pistol
within reach and comfortably settling the
pillows behind his back, Hwe'll have quiet
confab. A sort Of old fashioned talk, ehi
You're not looking well, Manuel. YOU'RE
drinking too much again. 1t spoils your
complexion"
"Let me 60, captain" pleaded the man,
emboldened by the good humored voice, but
not near enough to notice q peculiar light In
me speaker eye
you've oniy 1us' come MANUEL, and as
connderaoie trouble, 700 wen, what have
YOU got 70 sayf Wnats an tnis anout'
"na' aie you oo'ns nerer
Inc cap.ureo man snumed ms fees ner-
vousiy' anu o,,iy us'e1eo " an uneosy iaugn Oh
mi Sc. You're bashful Wen, ri help
Won along. Comet You kpev that H.ia
was avav and these women were here WITH.
ont man to belp them. You tbouobt voua
flrd some nonev baro and have vorr ov,